Kudos & Gratitude
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Singer/Student Mzao Gives Credit to
Better World Music and His Instructors |
Voice Teacher Fabio Thanks Director Kathy Saffas, Better World Music Staff, & Students for a Great Working & Learning Environment
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Check Yelp HERE
Check Facebook HERE
One Parent writes:
On Apr 22, 2019, at 2:19 PM, JODY L K <xxxxxx@comcast.net> wrote:
Hi Janice and Kathy,
Sadly, I am writing you because it is time for Meredith to move on to the next phase of her musical education.
It feels so odd to be taking this step. It's exciting that Meredith is moving another step forward towards her dream of getting into a music conservatory to study opera, but it's sad that we have to say goodbye to you.
How can I express my gratitude for what you have done to help Meredith progress in her vocal abilities? Anything I can think of, seems so inadequate. I came to you a couple of years ago with a child who had a newly discovered 'big' soprano voice. We needed you to help her learn to use it, and more importantly to learn how to keep from damaging her 'instrument' from overuse or improper technique. You helped her with this and SO MUCH MORE.
Janice, you have been such an important mentor, role model, and teacher for Meredith. What an AMAZING, INCREDIBLE opportunity it has been for her to learn from you! You've taught her so much - lessons that she will take with her as she continues her musical journey! And as a role model and mentor, you have given her lessons and motivations that no other teacher has ever been able to provide. You have made Meredith a better singer and a better musician, and your efforts will play a big part in the next stage of her musical education.
I hope that we can stay in contact - we always enjoy seeing you perform, Janice, so keep us on your mailing list so we know where we can see you! And we will definitely keep you updated on where Meredith is and what she is doing!
Again, thank you so much for all you have done for Meredith. Better World really is a unique musical school, and we are truly blessed to have had 2 years of instruction from you, Janice!
Warmest regards,
Jody K
Hi Janice and Kathy,
Sadly, I am writing you because it is time for Meredith to move on to the next phase of her musical education.
It feels so odd to be taking this step. It's exciting that Meredith is moving another step forward towards her dream of getting into a music conservatory to study opera, but it's sad that we have to say goodbye to you.
How can I express my gratitude for what you have done to help Meredith progress in her vocal abilities? Anything I can think of, seems so inadequate. I came to you a couple of years ago with a child who had a newly discovered 'big' soprano voice. We needed you to help her learn to use it, and more importantly to learn how to keep from damaging her 'instrument' from overuse or improper technique. You helped her with this and SO MUCH MORE.
Janice, you have been such an important mentor, role model, and teacher for Meredith. What an AMAZING, INCREDIBLE opportunity it has been for her to learn from you! You've taught her so much - lessons that she will take with her as she continues her musical journey! And as a role model and mentor, you have given her lessons and motivations that no other teacher has ever been able to provide. You have made Meredith a better singer and a better musician, and your efforts will play a big part in the next stage of her musical education.
I hope that we can stay in contact - we always enjoy seeing you perform, Janice, so keep us on your mailing list so we know where we can see you! And we will definitely keep you updated on where Meredith is and what she is doing!
Again, thank you so much for all you have done for Meredith. Better World really is a unique musical school, and we are truly blessed to have had 2 years of instruction from you, Janice!
Warmest regards,
Jody K
Facebook comment Sep 2016
00;40 - 00:55 You'll notice in the Before his pitch is slightly flat ~
In the After he has learned how to sing on the overtone.
01:40 In the Before his jaw tension makes it difficult to produce high notes: he's squeezing out the high notes.
After - he supports the high notes with his body, instead of "squeezing" them out by tightening his jaws.
02:07 In the Before the vocal fry is harsh and driven through his false folds;
After, he has control of the closure to make vocal fry.
In the Before you will notice his diction is unclear because of the extreme tension in his jaw:
After you clearly hear each and every word.
In the After he has learned how to sing on the overtone.
01:40 In the Before his jaw tension makes it difficult to produce high notes: he's squeezing out the high notes.
After - he supports the high notes with his body, instead of "squeezing" them out by tightening his jaws.
02:07 In the Before the vocal fry is harsh and driven through his false folds;
After, he has control of the closure to make vocal fry.
In the Before you will notice his diction is unclear because of the extreme tension in his jaw:
After you clearly hear each and every word.
What Does Mzao say? 8/25/2015
As posted on Mzao Water's Yelp Review ~ Quoted with Permission
http://www.yelp.com/biz/better-world-school-of-music-hayward
8/25/2015
"Despite the fact that I'd been singing nearly 20 years, taking lessons here changed my life!.
After so many years of singing karaoke and performing with live bands you'd think when it came to singing that I knew what I was doing, but I didn't. I didn't understand why after some live shows I'd lose my voice and after other shows my voice was fine. There were great inconsistencies in my abilities as a vocalist that were becoming more noticeable. So about 2 years ago I reached out to Better World School of Music for help. I explained in an email that I was an adult self taught singer but that I desperately needed to learn how to sing correctly. Within a day I got a call back from the director, Kathy. She'd listened to a few of my Youtube cover videos and said she was definitely interested in working with me! Kathy made my vocal lessons so much fun! She's passionate, and funny, and present during lesson time. One of my biggest concerns about taking lessons was the embarrassment I'd have to go through in exposing my vocal weaknesses. Kathy was incredibly kind and supportive in such a way that she made it OK for me to share my vocal struggles with her. I had many bad vocal habits to unlearn before I could increase my vocal consistency. She helped me to hear my voice differently. She constantly encouraged me and assured me that I could get better. Kathy is an amazing vocal instructor! Hands down taking vocal lessons with Kathy was one of the best decisions of my life.
I practiced my singing 4-7 days a week and eventually my high notes became easy and consistent...no more unexpected cracking! I got more power in my low notes and better pitch as I learned to lift the soft palate to keep from sounding just "a hair flat". I feel it's also important to note that Kathy encouraged me to continue with the signature color and style I had already created for myself and not try to sound like every other singer.
At the end of my first year I was invited to perform at the Better World School of Music Adult Lounge Night along with other hand selected talent.
betterworldmusicschool.c…
It was then that I got a chance to meet other instructors and other students both young and old. Some performers had been learning their instrument for months while others had been studying for years. Everyone was so nice. It wasn't about attitude or egos, instead just a genuine sense of all around good will and sharing of each person's talent."
http://www.yelp.com/biz/better-world-school-of-music-hayward
8/25/2015
"Despite the fact that I'd been singing nearly 20 years, taking lessons here changed my life!.
After so many years of singing karaoke and performing with live bands you'd think when it came to singing that I knew what I was doing, but I didn't. I didn't understand why after some live shows I'd lose my voice and after other shows my voice was fine. There were great inconsistencies in my abilities as a vocalist that were becoming more noticeable. So about 2 years ago I reached out to Better World School of Music for help. I explained in an email that I was an adult self taught singer but that I desperately needed to learn how to sing correctly. Within a day I got a call back from the director, Kathy. She'd listened to a few of my Youtube cover videos and said she was definitely interested in working with me! Kathy made my vocal lessons so much fun! She's passionate, and funny, and present during lesson time. One of my biggest concerns about taking lessons was the embarrassment I'd have to go through in exposing my vocal weaknesses. Kathy was incredibly kind and supportive in such a way that she made it OK for me to share my vocal struggles with her. I had many bad vocal habits to unlearn before I could increase my vocal consistency. She helped me to hear my voice differently. She constantly encouraged me and assured me that I could get better. Kathy is an amazing vocal instructor! Hands down taking vocal lessons with Kathy was one of the best decisions of my life.
I practiced my singing 4-7 days a week and eventually my high notes became easy and consistent...no more unexpected cracking! I got more power in my low notes and better pitch as I learned to lift the soft palate to keep from sounding just "a hair flat". I feel it's also important to note that Kathy encouraged me to continue with the signature color and style I had already created for myself and not try to sound like every other singer.
At the end of my first year I was invited to perform at the Better World School of Music Adult Lounge Night along with other hand selected talent.
betterworldmusicschool.c…
It was then that I got a chance to meet other instructors and other students both young and old. Some performers had been learning their instrument for months while others had been studying for years. Everyone was so nice. It wasn't about attitude or egos, instead just a genuine sense of all around good will and sharing of each person's talent."
Linda M. 7/28/2014
http://www.yelp.com/biz/better-world-school-of-music-hayward
3 check-ins
Littlest M has the music in her. She sings all the time, and I love to listen to it.
While Mr. M had many years of piano as a youth, I have absolutely no musical training or talents. I'm the person who lip-syncs Happy Birthday because I'm embarrassed at my inability to carry a tune.
So when Littlest M wanted to learn piano, we asked around and brought her here based on friends' recommendations. Under Emily's tutelage, she progressed quite nicely. We liked the facility, and Janice at the front desk is a ray of sunshine.
Eventually, M decided to take a break from piano, which is pretty normal for her. She flits from one passion to the next, none lasting too long (except swimming). But then the following year, she wanted to get some voice training, to gain confidence in singing "Let it Go" in a talent show.
M has some natural talent and showmanship, and she started working with Wendy. I like the way Wendy works with M, engaging her interests in pop music as well as teaching the fundamentals. M did perform "Let it Go" in a small talent show, to an enthusiastic audience. She continues to do well and just had her first voice recital, singing the Dumbo lullaby "Baby of Mine". It was a simple little recital, but I enjoyed hearing the range of training from beginners to advanced. This particular recital included piano, voice and drum students, which made for a nice variety.
Overall, Better World is a great place in Downtown Hayward to study music.
3 check-ins
Littlest M has the music in her. She sings all the time, and I love to listen to it.
While Mr. M had many years of piano as a youth, I have absolutely no musical training or talents. I'm the person who lip-syncs Happy Birthday because I'm embarrassed at my inability to carry a tune.
So when Littlest M wanted to learn piano, we asked around and brought her here based on friends' recommendations. Under Emily's tutelage, she progressed quite nicely. We liked the facility, and Janice at the front desk is a ray of sunshine.
Eventually, M decided to take a break from piano, which is pretty normal for her. She flits from one passion to the next, none lasting too long (except swimming). But then the following year, she wanted to get some voice training, to gain confidence in singing "Let it Go" in a talent show.
M has some natural talent and showmanship, and she started working with Wendy. I like the way Wendy works with M, engaging her interests in pop music as well as teaching the fundamentals. M did perform "Let it Go" in a small talent show, to an enthusiastic audience. She continues to do well and just had her first voice recital, singing the Dumbo lullaby "Baby of Mine". It was a simple little recital, but I enjoyed hearing the range of training from beginners to advanced. This particular recital included piano, voice and drum students, which made for a nice variety.
Overall, Better World is a great place in Downtown Hayward to study music.
Andriana L. 4/23/2015
http://www.yelp.com/biz/better-world-school-of-music-hayward
My 5 year old son takes piano and drums at Better World and LOVES it. I especially like that the instructors are such experienced teachers, most of them with university credentials for a good price. I checked other schools in the area and Better World's prices were more affordable for what seem to be higher quality teachers. All the other schools in the area appear to charge more for garage band type teachers. The drum teacher my son is taking with at Better World has a Masters in music. It's also very close to the bank and shopping for parents who need to do errands, as well as the school has a REALLY comfy and well decorated waiting room with free Wifi if you need to catch up on email stuff while your kiddo is having his lessons.
My 5 year old son takes piano and drums at Better World and LOVES it. I especially like that the instructors are such experienced teachers, most of them with university credentials for a good price. I checked other schools in the area and Better World's prices were more affordable for what seem to be higher quality teachers. All the other schools in the area appear to charge more for garage band type teachers. The drum teacher my son is taking with at Better World has a Masters in music. It's also very close to the bank and shopping for parents who need to do errands, as well as the school has a REALLY comfy and well decorated waiting room with free Wifi if you need to catch up on email stuff while your kiddo is having his lessons.
Margaret H. 11/30/2014
http://www.yelp.com/biz/better-world-school-of-music-hayward
Parents if you are looking for quality instruction for music and voice, this is the place to go. The staff is great. They work very patiently with their students helping them succeed in their musical activity. My grand daughter loves going to her voice lessons. She is blossoming! Thank you to the wonderful instructors at Better World School of Music! Keep up the great work!
Parents if you are looking for quality instruction for music and voice, this is the place to go. The staff is great. They work very patiently with their students helping them succeed in their musical activity. My grand daughter loves going to her voice lessons. She is blossoming! Thank you to the wonderful instructors at Better World School of Music! Keep up the great work!